Text: Psalm 112: 1-10
Memory verse:
“A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.”
Psalms 112:5
Whatever is not well managed will be wasted. Life not well managed will be ruined. Time not well managed will be wasted. Money not well managed will be squandered.
God commands us to give generously towards kingdom business and to the poor and the needy. However, giving to these less privileged should be done gracefully and with discretion. “A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.” (Psalms 112:5). Discretion means to make decision based on the circumstances. It is to be wise, discreet, prudent, sensitive and judicious in making decision about who to give and what to give. A good man guides his choices with wisdom.
You know why you have to do that? There are many deceivers in our time who come in to church to defraud simple hearted believers. Some of them are scammers, smokers, drug addicts but come with pitiable look (2 Thes 3:2). There are also lazy believers who won’t work with their hands and are busy bodies. They thrive on begging and want to make you guilty of their idleness. Paul commanded that such people shouldn’t be encouraged by giving to them (2 Thes 3:10). There are other believers who are dishonest and want to take advantage of others. They are sycophants who come near you, not because they love you, but for what they want to get. They borrow and never repay. They live above their purse, buying what they don’t need. They come with all sorts of demands. The rich has many friends indeed (Prov 19:4; John 6:26)
Friends, it is not a mark of spirituality to give money without caution but of foolishness. You may eventually find out that you have been empowering criminals and strengthening lazy people in your simplicity.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, give me the gift of discernment that I may be able to give with discretion in Jesus name.
2. Father, please bless me that I will be able to be a blessing to others in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. Giving without discretion is counter productive.
2. I don’t just give because I am commanded to give but I give with wisdom as I am led by the Spirit.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng